better 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of betternext
as in special

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Dissimilar Words

better

2 of 4

adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

3 of 4

noun

1
as in superior
one who is above another in rank, station, or office be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the better of her opponents very early in the race

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

better

4 of 4

verb

1
as in to exceed
to be greater, better, or stronger than this year's profits should better last year's by a wide margin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to improve
to make better social workers and reformers trying to better the lives of inner-city residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad.

measures to further improve the quality of medical care
immigrants hoping to better their lot

When might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of better
Adjective
Implementing better protocol for detection and providing translation services to parents in these areas is essential so they can get diagnosed and referred, said Beckerman. — Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2023 Yet the company hasn’t linked their use to better weight-loss outcomes, in part because people don’t use them consistently. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. — Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. — Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
Laster allegedly sold this information to two betters for about $100,000. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 The fact that there was a 54 million dollar bounty out on this guy collectively from betters, including one user called MAGAMyMan, who had won $553,000 on the timing of all this. — Brian Barrett, Wired News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Hale, meanwhile, switched parties last year, arguing that running as a Republican will better his chances at beating Moore. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026 Arbitrarily limiting that possibility has nothing to do with bettering the game and everything to do with limiting what ownership spends. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
  1. special
  2. more
  3. superior
  4. advantage
  5. exceed
  6. improve
  7. exceptional
  8. edge
Adjective
  • Panelists warned about a future where Christian nationalists subvert democratic systems in order to achieve a larger goal of garnering special power and privilege for Christians.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Burnham received support from 349 out of 401 Labour Party lawmakers, and was announced Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of special
Adverb
  • Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The series unfolds against Japan’s ongoing debate over beauty standards – a culture growing more open to diverse appearances even as its cosmetic surgery sector remains one of its fastest-growing industries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of more
Noun
  • For example, women athletes are routinely portrayed as emotional, powerless, and reliant on their coaches or superiors, resulting in their infantilization, all while their men athlete counterparts are framed as rational and confident.
    — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The investigation, according to the archives, cited several factors as contributing to the tragedy, including Holland’s disregard of procedures, the failure of superiors to take previous action and the inadequate preparation of crew members aboard the doomed plane.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Definition of superior
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • China’s exports in the second quarter surged 27%, exceeding analyst expectations off strong trade in semiconductors and computer parts.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The 39-year-old Messi’s age-defying run at this tournament, which includes eight goals and counting, has put Icons in a position to match, if not exceed, its sales from Qatar.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Lawmakers have introduced bills to strengthen prevention programs, improve behavioral health services, regulate sober living environments and give local governments additional tools to respond to homelessness.
    — Ray Bramson, Washington Post, 15 July 2026
  • Chen’s work focuses on using seismological data to improve methods to identify and monitor nuclear tests.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge

Phrases Containing better

Browse Nearby Words

bets (on)
better
bettered
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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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